Rajaji
National Park - Rajaji National Park is situated at a distance
of 23 km from Dehradun. This densely forested sanctuary is known
for its elephants, barking deer, leopards, sambar and peafowl
and a variety of birds. The forest around this region contains
3 sanctuaries, Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. In the year 1983,
the three parks were merged into one and named Rajaji after the
great freedom fighter C. Rajagopalachari. Spread over 830 km on
the foothills of the Shivalik range, it is especially known for
its elephant population. The park is also home to
the forest tribe of Gujjars who have
lived in these

forests
for over 200 years. Rajaji is a magnificent ecosystem at the beginning
of the vast Indo-Gangetic plains, and has the vegetation of several
zones and forest types. It houses as many as 23 species of mammals
and 315 bird species.

Mussoorie - 38 kms. from Deharadun
is Mussoorie with its green hills and varied flora and fauna,
is a fascinating hill station. It offers a wonderful view of the
Himalayan snow ranges to the northeast and the Doon valley, Roorkee,
Saharanpur and Haridwar to the South, creating a peaceful atmosphere
for the tourists.

Rishikesh - 43 kms from Dehradun
lies the holy place of Rishikesh. This place is the starting of
the Char Dham Yatra. It is also the ideal location for anyone
seeking to delve deeper into peace, meditation and for participating
in the International Yoga Week, which takes place in February,
for the complete rejuvenation of mind and soul.

Activities in Dehradun

Dehradun is the place to be in for the
nature lovers and the adventure seekers alike. The ski resort at Auli
near Dehradun attracts enthusiasts from all over the country and abroad.
The resort has skiing facilities like cable car, ski lift, chair lift,
snow-beaters et al. The valley of flowers, Har-ki-Doon, Dodital, and
Pindari glacier etc. make excellent trekking routes from Dehradun.

While on a shopping spree in Dehradun you just can't miss out on the
woolens. Check out the Sahakari Bazaar, Rajpur Road, Astley Hall, Paltan
Bazaar, and Connaught Place in Dehradun for the purchases. The carpets
woven by Tibetan refugees also make excellent option for gifts and souvenirs
from Dehradun.

Events in Dehradun

The hill resort of Dehradun hosts several fairs and festivals. Dehradun
celebrates the Jhanda Fair on the fifth day after Holi
every year in March/April. The fair honors Guru Ram Rai who arrived
in Dehradun in 1699 on the same day. He built a Gurudwara called Guru
Ram Rai Durbar and hoisted his flag on it. The followers come together
and the flag is ceremoniously unfurled at the Jhanda Chowk of Dehradun.

The Tapkeshwar temple of Dehradun celebrates the Shivratri
fair with much fervor. Devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati throng
the Tapkeshwar Temple during the annual Shivratri fair. Then there is
the Lakhawar Fair that is celebrated in the Lakhawar
village during the months of September-October every year. Dance, music,
and sports competitions mark the celebrations of the fairs in Dehradun.

Getting There & Away to Dehradun

The Jolly Grant
airport, nearest from Dehradun is 25 km away. It is linked with
flights to Delhi, which is major international airport of India.

The excellent rail network
links Dehradun with other important places of India, including
Delhi, Mussorie, Mumbai, Varanasi, Calcutta and Lucknow.

Dehradun is well connected
to other cities of Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Delhi by regular
bus services like Agra, Calcutta, Chennai, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mumbai
and Delhi. There are road routes that connect Dehradun with tourist
places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Shimla, Yamunotri, Kedarnath,
Nainital, Badrinath, Gaurikund, Gangotri, Kalsi and the Rajaji
National Park.

Getting Around in Dehradun

Taxis are available from taxi stands at Railway Station, Delhi Bus Stand,
and Local Bus Stand.